David Tennant returned to Doctor Who in 2023 as the Fourteenth Doctor, marking a unique instance where he reprised the role of the Doctor with a new incarnation after previously playing the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010. This return was part of the show's 60th anniversary celebrations, consisting of three special episodes aired between November 25 and December 9, 2023. These specials were written by Russell T Davies, who also returned as showrunner, and featured Catherine Tate reprising her role as Donna Noble alongside Tennant

. The Fourteenth Doctor portrayed by Tennant is characterized as similar in appearance to the Tenth Doctor but with a more sentimental and weary persona, reflecting the character's growth over centuries. The specials were well- received for Tennant's performance, though some critics debated the decision to bring back a former Doctor instead of solely focusing on the incoming Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, who debuted after Tennant's specials

. The specials were broadcast on BBC One in the UK and Ireland and internationally on Disney+. They were directed by Rachel Talalay, Tom Kingsley, and Chanya Button, with filming taking place in 2022 at Wolf Studios Wales. The storyline and production marked a significant milestone for the series, blending nostalgia with new elements and leading into the next era with Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor